Apparatus for metered dispensing of particulate materials

ABSTRACT

A dispensing apparatus ( 10 ) includes a container unit ( 100 ) and a measuring unit ( 200 ) coupled to be angularly displaceable one relative to the other between at least open and closed positions. The container unit ( 100 ) includes a base ( 110 ) and a first partition ( 122 ) substantially enclosing a storage compartment ( 1100 ). The first partition ( 122 ) is formed with an access opening ( 1220 ) communicating with the storage compartment ( 1100 ). The measuring unit ( 200 ) includes a capsule ( 210 ) and a second partition ( 220 ) substantially enclosing a metering compartment ( 2100 ). The second partition ( 220 ) is formed with an access opening ( 2220 ) at least partially aligning with the access opening ( 1220 ) of the first partition ( 122 ) in the open position, whereby a predetermined quantity of material may be displaced into the metering compartment ( 2100 ) for subsequent dispensation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The subject dispensing apparatus is generally directed to an apparatusfor storing and dispensing therefrom metered portions of a powder orother particular material. More specifically, the dispensing apparatusis one which is quickly and conveniently reconfigurable in such manneras to permit reliable storage and portioning of the material forsubsequent dispensation in predetermined batches.

The need is found in many applications to store a material in a bulkquantity for later dispensation in particular metered portions is found.An exemplary application is that of portably storing and dispensing suchdry particulate materials as powdered baby formula. Typically in thiscontext, ample quantities of baby formula are stored and carried byparents of infants in a concentrated dry powder form from which a batchmay be taken and mixed with warm water or other liquid immediately prioreach feeding. For obvious nutritional and other health reasons,reasonably accurate portioning of the powdered formula to be mixed isimportant.

This is particularly so given the general vulnerabilities and tendenciesof infants. Improper portioning may not only lead to adverse physicalreactions upon ingestion, the disproportionate mixture which results mayprove sufficiently unpalatable to keep even a moderately finicky infantfrom feeding, altogether.

Reasonably accurate portioning may be ensured, of course, by carefullymixing the formula beforehand in precisely pre-mixed, ready-to-feedbatches. This is often impractical for a number of reasons, however.First, the added weight of the liquid pre-mixed batches would beconsiderable, as would their added bulk, and the additional number ofthe containers their separate storage would require. Second, the lack offreshness, and even perishability, of pre-mixed batches becomes a realconsideration and may necessitate yet even more extraneous items (in theform of requisite ice packs, coolers, and the like) for preservingfreshness. These and other considerations render the pre-mixing ofready-to-feed formula batches an abundantly impractical option in manycases.

Consequently, parents of nursing-age infants often find themselveshaving to prepare the batches of formula impromptu, as the infant'sfeeding time arises. Of course, proper portioning may be achieved bytaking very deliberate measures in preparing a batch of formula. Parentsalmost invariably find themselves rushing and fumbling, though, with thenot too indelicate nor simple task of preparing the baby bottle with theappropriate amount of liquid, heating the liquid if necessary,dispensing the condensed formula, measuring out the correct amount, thenintroducing the measured amount into the prepared liquid for mixing. Notsurprisingly, the task of preparing a fresh batch of formula for afeeding becomes a considerable project unto itself, requiring one todevote concerted effort to measure and mix accurately, and to do sowithout leaving an excessive mess of spilled materials, soiled utensilsand vessels, and the like. The situation is exacerbated where oneindividual must alone fumble with the multiple containers, materials,and implements in this regard while having to concurrently tend to thehungry, and quite likely very irritable, infant.

Hence, there exists a need for a storage apparatus from which aparticulate material may be quickly, conveniently, and neatly, yetaccurately, dispensed in portioned batches for subsequent use. Thereexists a need, moreover, for such an apparatus having a simple andinexpensively produced structure, whereby such materials as a babyformula powder may be conveniently dispensed in accurately meteredportions for use.

PRIOR ART

Dispensing devices for particulate materials are known in the art. Thebest prior art known to Applicant includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,734;6,550,640; 5,758,803; 5,601,213; 5,271,535; 4,961,521; 4,832,235;4,560,092; 4,346,823; 4,345,700; 4,322,017; 3,893,592; 3,512,681;3,446,403; 3,327,905; 3,308,995; 3,211,334; 3,207,371; 3,201,009;3,179,303; 3,130,874; 3,129,853; 3,005,578; 2,985,343; 2,904,230;2,887,254; 2,877,937; 2,815,154; 2,636,646; 2,579,388; 2,515,735;2,393,454; 2,385,677; 2,315,473; 2,211,452; 2,207,395; 2,088,836;1,291,804; 1,005,130; 928,052; 685,988; 614,646; 582,972; and, 152,909.There are no devices for dispensing a given material in measured batchesheretofore known which provides the combination of simplicity, ease ofuse, and effectiveness provided by the subject dispensing apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatusfor quickly and conveniently dispensing a predetermined amount of amaterial stored therein.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatuswhereby a predetermined amount of a stored particulate material may bequickly and conveniently separated from the remainder of the storedmaterial for dispensation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus of simple and conveniently usable structure by which aparticulate material may be metered with reasonable accuracy fordispensing in a predetermined batch amount.

These and other objects are attained by a metered dispensing apparatusformed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The dispensing apparatus generally includes a container unitand a measuring unit coupled to be angularly displaceable one relativeto the other between open and closed positions. The container unit isformed with a base and a first partition substantially enclosing astorage compartment defined thereby, the first partition being formedwith an opening communicating with the storage compartment. Themeasuring unit includes a capsule and a second partition substantiallyenclosing a metering compartment defined thereby. The second partitionopposes the first partition and is formed with an opening communicatingwith the metering compartment. In the open position, the first andsecond partition openings are at least partially aligned while in theclosed position, the first and second partition openings are offset onefrom the other. In the open position, a predetermined quantity ofmaterial stored in the storage compartment may be displaced through thealigned openings into the metering compartment. This quantity ofmaterial may in the closed position then be isolated from the storagecompartment for subsequent dispensation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, of adispensing apparatus formed in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, with theapparatus in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view as shown in FIG. 3, with the apparatus shownin an open configuration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view, partially cut away, of a portion of thecross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the portion shown in FIG. 5,with the apparatus in a release configuration;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the assembledapparatus in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, partially cut away, of adispensing apparatus formed in accordance with another alternateembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG.8 when fully assembled;

FIG. 9A is a corresponding perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the portion shown enlarged in FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 9B is a corresponding perspective view of yet another alternateembodiment of the portion shown enlarged in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown one embodiment of the subjectdispensing apparatus 10. In this embodiment, dispensing apparatus 10generally comprises a container unit 100 and a measuring unit 200coaxially coupled in angularly displaceable manner thereto. Containerunit 100 serves in overall concept to store a bulk amount of a certainparticulate material such as, for example, a condensed baby formulapowder. Measuring unit 200 is angularly displaceable between a pluralityof angular positions relative to container unit 100, whereby dispensingapparatus 10 is adjustably configured for operation. Measuring unit 200serves a metering function whereby it measures out a desired batchamount of the material stored in container 100, then isolates from thematerial remaining in container 100 for dispensation of just thatmeasured batch of material.

The various operational configurations of dispensing apparatus 10preferably include at least one wherein measuring unit 200 assumes anopen position relative to container unit 100, and at least one otherwherein measuring unit 200 assumes a closed position relative tocontainer unit 100. The operational configurations also include in theembodiment shown another wherein measuring unit 200 assumes releaseposition relative to container unit 100. In the open position, measuringand container units 200, 100 are mutually arranged such that the givenmaterial may be freely passed between compartments they respectivelydefine, whereas in the closed position, access for such passage ofmaterial between the two units 200, 100 is substantially blocked. In therelease position, measuring and container units 200, 100 are mutuallyarranged such that they are freed from locking engagement to bedecoupled from one another.

Apparatus 10 enables a user to carry in bulk an ample quantity of thegiven material to yield numerous batches for later consumption. Whenneeded, a batch of the material may be quickly and neatly measured outby appropriately adjusting measuring unit 200 relative to container unit100, manipulating apparatus 10 to fill measuring unit 200 with materialfrom container unit 100, resetting measuring unit 200 relative tocontainer unit 100, then releasing the resulting batch of material fromjust the measuring unit 200. The process may be repeated to dispensesubsequent batches of the stored material for consumption.

Container unit 100 is formed with a base 110 which defines a storagecompartment 1100 for the given material. Container unit 100 includes apartition assembly 120 whose partitioning deck 122 encloses the storagecompartment 1100 defined by base 110. This partitioning deck 122 isprovided with an opening 1220 which communicates with the storagecompartment 1100. Preferably, partition assembly 120 is removablycoupled to base 110; however, it may in other embodiments be integrallyformed therewith. In the embodiment shown, base 110 is formed with asubstantially cylindrical contour open at an upper axial end to permitaccess to storage compartment 1100. An upper edge 1102 of base 110 isformed preferably with a plurality of notches 1104. These notches 1104respectively receive a plurality of corresponding engaging bosses 1202formed on partition assembly 120 when that partition assembly 120 iscombined with base 110 to enclose storage compartment 1100. This is butone example of numerous mating or engaging structures which may besuitably employed to enhance the security of coupling where partitionassembly 120 is provided in this manner, as a removable closurecomponent for base 110.

Container unit 100 also includes in the embodiment disclosed a rail-likecatch portion 112 extending annularly about base 110 from one of itsterminal ends 1120 a, 1120 b to the other. The opposing ends 1120 a,1120 b are spaced to define a release slot 116 for breaking, orinterrupting, catch portion 112, which preferably forms an otherwisecontinuous rail-like extension about an outer surface portion of base110.

Catch portion 112 serves as a catch for a corresponding retainingportion of measuring unit 200 described in following paragraphs, byvirtue of which measuring unit 200 is substantially locked against axialdisplacement from container unit 100. It may be formed with otherconfigurations in alternate embodiments. For instance, where thethickness of the sidewall material for base 110 is sufficient to permit,catch portion 112 may be formed alternatively as a recessed slotdefining an angularly extended track-like formation. Suitable measureswould then be provided to ensure that the release slot formed betweenthe catch portion's terminal ends provides ample clearance fordisengagement of the retaining portion therefrom.

The removable embodiment of partition assembly 120 shown contemplatesits functioning much like a cap for base 110. As such, partitionassembly 120 may be removed by the user as needed for, among otherthings, filling, emptying, or cleaning storage compartment 1100. Inother embodiments, partition assembly 120 may be integrally formed withbase 110 to extend fixedly over storage compartment 1100.

Partition assembly 120 in the illustrative embodiment shown is formedwith a substantially planar partitioning deck 122 in which a preferablywedge-shaped access opening 1220 is formed to enable open access tostorage compartment 1100. Partition assembly 120 is also formed in theembodiment illustrated with a substantially tubular skirt portionextending axially downward from partitioning deck 122. The outerperiphery of partitioning deck 122 extends radially beyond skirt portion1204 to form a flange-like rim, such that when partition assembly 120 isfitted to base 110, the rim comes to rest upon the portion 1102 of base110, while skirt portion 1204 telescopically engages the correspondinginner surface thereof. Preferably, a plurality of engaging bosses 1202are protrusively formed on skirt portion 1204 immediately beneath therim portion defined by partitioning deck 122, for engaging respectivenotches 1104 formed in the base's edge portion 1102. Partition assembly120 may be securely interlocked thereby with base 110.

Note that all or part of partition assembly 120 may be formedalternatively as pre-assembled components of measuring unit 200 in otherembodiments. In that case, measuring unit 200 would serve a capping aswell as a measuring/dispensing function for container unit 100. Suitablemeasures would be taken to ensure that partitioning deck 122 remainssecurely interlocked with base 110, so as to remain stationary whileother components of measuring unit 200 are angularly displaced relativeto measuring unit 100 in adjusting the operational configuration ofapparatus 10.

While not shown, partition assembly 120 may also be formed with a shaftmember extending axially from a central portion of partitioning deck122, if necessary. This shaft member would engage an axial opening (notshown) correspondingly formed in the supplemental portioning deck 220 ofmeasuring unit 200 to reinforce and stabilize the angularlydisplaceable, coaxially aligned coupling of measuring unit 200 topartition assembly 120. With the features employed in the illustrativeembodiment shown, such engagement reinforcing structure will likely beunnecessary in most applications.

Partition assembly 120 preferably includes as well a stop 126 protrudingfrom partitioning deck 122. This stop 126 is suitably positionedrelative to 1220 so as to limit the angular displacement of measuringunit 200 relative to container unit 100. Preferably, stop 126 includes adeflective resilient portion 126 a disposed along a leading facethereof.

Container unit 100 may be formed of any suitable material known in theart appropriate for the specific requirements of the intendedApplication. In baby formula powder dispensing applications, forexample, such materials like plastic, Pyrex, stainless steel, or othermaterials of suitable strength, rigidity, and durability required forthe application may be employed. In baby product applications, otherconsiderations such as thermal expansion properties and the ability towithstand a wide range of temperatures may be of particularsignificance, given such common practices of parents as sterilizingvessels and implements by immersing in boiling water. Nevertheless, theparticular choice of material(s) actually employed is not important tothe present invention.

Any suitably deflective material known in the art may be employed forresilient portion 126 a of stop 126. Preferably, resilient portion 126 ais formed of a high density foam material that is relatively firm, yetdeflects with suitable responsiveness substantially in proportion to theforce applied thereto. Resilient portion 126 a would provide a tactileabutment for measuring unit 200, then provide discernible resistance asit deflects to accommodate the measuring unit's advanced displacementbeyond the initial point of abutment.

Measuring unit 200 includes a capsule 210 extending over a supplementalpartitioning deck 220 to define a metering, or measuring, compartment2100 therein. Capsule 210 may be formed with any suitable contournecessary to yield a predetermined volumetric capacity for meteringcompartment 2100. Capsule 210 is formed with an outlet 215 which definesa dispensing opening 2150 disposed in open communication with meteringcompartment 2100. A closure 230 is provided for closing this dispensingopening 2150, preferably by matedly engaging threads 217 formed aboutoutlet portion 215. This closure 230 is preferably retained withmeasuring unit 200 by a tether 235 of any suitable configuration knownin the art for ease and convenience of use.

Supplemental partitioning deck 220 provides a partial floor for meteringcompartment 2100. It is preferably formed with a wedge-shaped accessopening 2220 radially offset from its axial center. When measuring unit200 is coupled to partition assembly 120 of measuring unit 100,supplemental partitioning deck 220 is disposed in substantially overlaidmanner over partitioning deck 122, preferably in coaxially rotatablemanner relative thereto. Depending on the angular position of measuringunit 200 relative to partition assembly 120, access opening 2220 may ormay not align with some portion of access opening 1220 below. Accessopenings 2220 and 1220 are preferably so contoured, dimensioned, andsituated at their respective partitioning decks that when measuring unit200 is in an open position relative to container unit 100, at least aportion of the two access openings 2220, 1220 are aligned to permit opencommunication between storage and metering compartments 1100, 2100therethrough. When measuring unit 200 is disposed in its closed positionrelative to container unit 100, on the other hand, the two accessopenings 2220, 1220 are fully offset from one another to each be blockedby the other's partitioning deck 122, 220. Storage and meteringcompartments 1100, 2100 are then effectively partitioned and isolatedone from the other.

Measuring unit 200 includes in the given embodiment a retaining portion226 extending from a periphery 225 of partitioning deck 220. Suchretaining portion 226 is suitably configured with a catching, orhooking, type configuration for retentively engaging catch portion 112of container unit 100. Preferably, the retentive engagement is also aslideable engagement serving not only to lock the coupling of measuringunit 200 to container unit 100, but also to guide its angulardisplacement thereabout.

Retaining portion 226 is suitably configured and dimensioned to be freedfrom engagement with catch portion 112 when positioned squarely withinrelease slot 116. A release position is preferably defined thereby formeasuring unit 200 relative to container unit 100, where measuring unit200 is released for decoupling from container unit 100.

Preferably, one of the access openings 2220, 1220 is formed to begreater in size than the other, with stop 126 being formed on theopposing partitioning deck to extend therefrom into the larger accessopening. In the embodiment illustrated, access opening 2220 of themeasuring unit's partitioning deck 220 is formed to be of greater sizethan access opening 1220 of the other partitioning deck 122; and, stop126 (with its resilient portion 126 a) is formed to protrude upward fromthat other partitioning deck 122 into access opening 2220.

When measuring unit 200 is in its fully opened position relative tocontainer unit 100 as illustrated in FIG. 4, access opening 2220preferably overlaps access opening 1220 in its entirety so that accessopening 1220 is left unimpeded by any substantial portion ofsupplemental partitioning deck 220. The stored material may then freelypass from storage compartment 1100 into metering compartment 2100. Inmetering configuration for apparatus 10 shown, the exposed side of stop126 (away from resilient portion 126 a) serves as a hard, rigid stop fora trailing edge 222 b of partitioning deck 220 at opening 2220.

Displacing measuring unit 200 with respect to container unit 100 alongthe direction indicated by arrow 20 would increasingly block a portionof access opening 1220. A user may thus adjust apparatus 10 to controlthe rate of material flow permitted through access opening 1220, and doso to the point where access opening 2220 no longer overlaps accessopening 1220 and effective isolates the storage and meteringcompartments 1100, 2100 from one another. Apparatus 10 would then be setin its dispensing configuration.

In the fully closed position illustrated in FIG. 3, measuring unit 200is angularly positioned relative to container unit 100 such that aleading edge 222 a of supplemental partitioning deck 220 at its accessopening 2220 bears against resilient portion 126 a of stop 126. At thispoint, the measuring unit's retaining portion 226 is disposed near butnot fully within release slot 116 of the container unit's catch portion112, and therefore maintains engagement with that catch portion 112.

A user may then return the apparatus configuration to the dispensingconfiguration (open position of measuring unit 200) shown in FIG. 4 byturning measuring unit 200 with respect to container unit 100 in thereturn direction indicated by arrow 30. The stop limits provided by stop126 and its resilient portion 126 a at the open and closed positionsenables the user to conveniently reconfigure apparatus 10 between itsmetering and dispensing configurations without having to check andinspect to ensure sufficient alignment or sufficient offsetting of theaccess openings 1220, 2220.

In the closed position shown in FIG. 3, leading edge 222 a ofsupplemental partitioning deck 220 simply abuts the stop's resilientportion 126 a, without significantly deflecting it. If, however, a userwishes to remove measuring unit 200 from container unit 100, he/she mayin accordance with the illustrative embodiment shown force a furtherturn along the direction indicated by arrow 40, as illustrated in FIGS.5-6. This causes leading edge 222 a to impart a deflective force uponresilient portion 126 a, as indicated by arrows 50. The responsivedeflection of resilient portion 126 a yields the additional displacementof measuring unit 200 along the direction 40 sufficient to positionretaining portion 226 fully within release slot 116. Measuring unit 200is then freed for removal from container unit 100.

Much like container unit 100, measuring unit 200 may be formed of anymaterial known in the art suitable for the intended application. Aplastic, Plexiglas, steel, or other such materials of sufficientstrength, rigidity, and durability for the intended application may beemployed for the various parts of measuring unit 200. Thermal propertiesmay be of particular concern in the baby formula dispensing applicationof the embodiment shown.

At least a portion of capsule 210 is preferably formed of a transparentmaterial in the embodiment shown to enable a user's visual confirmationthat capsule 210 has been filled to capacity with material passed fromthe storage compartment 1100 of the container unit's base 110, forinstance. Likewise, at least a portion of base 110 is preferably formedof a transparent material to enable the user's visual confirmation ofthe amount of material remaining within storage compartment 1100 of thatbase 110.

In use, a user may conveniently remove partition assembly 120 from base110 to fill storage compartment 1100 with a suitable amount of condensedbaby formula powder or other particulate material. The user may in thealternative fill storage compartment 1100 simply through access opening1220 without removing partition 120 from base 110, though it may takemore time and effort to do. The user would thereafter assemble unit 10by aligning retaining portion 226 with release slot 116, then turningmeasuring unit 200 about its axis, relative to container unit 100.Retaining portion 226 then slides into engagement with catch portion 112such that measuring unit 200 may be conveniently turned between open andclosed positions with respect to container unit 100.

When the time then comes to dispense a batch of the stored material foruse, the user simply configures apparatus 10 to place measuring unit 200in its open position, whereafter apparatus 10 is upended, shaken, orotherwise manipulated to urge a portion of the stored material into themetering compartment 2100 of capsule 210. When metering compartment 2100is substantially filled to capacity, apparatus 10 is again reconfiguredto place measuring unit 200 in its closed position, fully partitioningthe batch of material so metered within metering compartment 2100 fromthe storage compartment 1100. The user may then remove closure 230 anddispense the metered batch of material through dispensing opening 2150of outlet 215. Upon replacement of closure 230, the process may bequickly and conveniently repeated to dispense additional batches of thestored material.

Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a dispensing apparatus 10′ formedin accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Inthat embodiment, container unit 100′ includes a base 110′ having a lowerterminal end 150′ which defines a fill opening 1500′. This fill opening1500′ serves to provide open access to a storage compartment 1100′. Fillopening 1500′ may be closed off during use by a removable end cap 160′,for which suitable fastening means such as corresponding threads 152′,162′ may be employed to releasably fasten end cap 160′ to terminal end150′.

The resulting structure permits a user to easily fill and empty storagecompartment 1100′ of container unit 100′. It enables the user to do sovery conveniently, without having to detach measuring unit 200 fromcontainer unit 100′.

Turning to FIG. 8, there is shown a dispensing apparatus 10″ formed inaccordance with another alternate embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, one or more retaining portions 226 a are provided onthe periphery 225 of partitioning deck 220 with a sufficiently resilientstructure to effect snap-fit engagement of catch portion 112 a extendingabout the container unit's base 110. This snap-fit engagement obviatesthe release slot 116 which interrupts the catch portion 112 in theembodiments described in preceding paragraphs. It also obviates the needfor any deflective portion at stop 126 of partition assembly 120, asretaining portions 226 a need not be aligned with any particular part ofcatch portion 112 a in order for engagement or disengagement to beeffected.

FIG. 9 illustrates the snap fit engagement structure in more detail. Asillustrated, each retaining portion 226 a is formed in this embodimentwith an inclined pressing surface 2260 against which a user may press tocause at least a deflection of retaining portion 226 a upwards along thedirection indicated by the bidirectional arrow 50 to urge that retainingportion's release from the protrusive catch portion 112 a. Upon release,retaining portion 226 a would return to its undeflected configuration,downward along the arrow 50. Conversely, when retaining portion 226 a isto be placed into engagement with catch portion 112 a, an axiallydownward depression force would cause retaining portion 226 a to bearagainst catch portion 112 a and deflect upward along arrow 50 untillatching surface 2262 snaps in position over catch portion 112 a.

Preferably, a lever extension 2265 is formed to serve as an extension ofpressing surface 2260 which enables the user to apply greater leveragein deflecting retaining portion 226 a towards disengagement from catchportion 112 a. Such lever extension 2265 may or may not be provided,depending on the particularities of the given embodiment andapplication. Where it is provided, any suitable structure may beemployed, preferably with configurational features which minimize oraltogether eliminate the potential for snagging bags, clothing, and thelike.

Referring to FIG. 9A, there is shown another embodiment wherein at leastone retaining portion shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is formed with an extendedinternal notch structure to yield enhanced deflective resilience in theresulting retaining portion 226 b. As shown, an internal notch 2267extends inward from a latching end 2263 of retaining portion 226 b todefine a latching arm 2269 suitably deflectable substantially along thedirection indicated by bidirectional arrow 60. Again, retaining portion226 b may be placed into engagement with catch portion 112 a simply bysnap-fitting accordingly. The deflective structure of latching arm 2269is such that disengagement may be effected either by forcefully drawingmeasuring unit 200 axially apart from container unit 100 or, moredirectly, by the user's gripping and prying each latching arm 2269 awayfrom catch portion 112 a along the radially outward direction indicatedby arrow 60 to clear latching end 2263 from catch portion 112 a to freethe measuring unit for removal. Any suitable internally extended notch,or cut out, configuration other than that illustrated may be similarlyemployed in other embodiments. An advantage of such internally cut outstructure is the minimized propensity of the resulting retaining portionto snag an external component.

Turning next to FIG. 9B, there is illustrated still another alternateembodiment wherein an annular notch, or groove, 226 c is formed into aninternal surface of the partitioning deck's peripheral wall 225 a.Depending on the particularities of the given embodiment andapplication, this annular notch 226 c may either substitute for orsupplement the retaining portion/catch portion engagement described inpreceding paragraphs for various illustrative embodiments. Whereemployed as a supplement to one or more retaining portions 226, 226 a,226 b, an additional catch portion 112, 112 a may be necessary, althoughnot shown in FIG. 9B. The peripheral wall 225 a in this embodiment isformed with sufficient deflective resilience to accommodate snap-fitengagement and/or disengagement with/from catch portion 112 a. Where thematerials employed make disengagement difficult, the embodiment of FIG.7 providing for a removable end cap 160′ for container unit 100′ may beparticularly useful to enable convenient access to that container unitwithout frequent disassembly of measuring unit 200 therefrom.

Although this invention has been described in connection with specificforms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that variousmodifications other than those discussed above may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Forexample, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specificallyshown and described, certain features may be used independently of otherfeatures, and in certain cases, particular combinations of disclosedsteps may be reversed or interposed, all without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing powdered baby formulacomprising: a container unit having a base and a first partitionsubstantially enclosing a storage compartment defined thereby, saidfirst partition having formed therein an opening communicating with saidstorage compartment; a measuring unit coaxially coupled in angularlydisplaceable manner to said container unit, said measuring unitincluding a capsule and a second partition substantially enclosing ametering compartment defined thereby, at least a portion of said capsulebeing formed of a substantially transparent material, said secondpartition being disposed over said first partition and having formedtherein an opening communicating with said metering compartment; atleast one of said first and second partitions including a stopprotruding therefrom to extend into said opening of the other of saidfirst and second partitions; said container and measuring units beingangularly displaceable one relative to the other between open and closedpositions, said first and second partition openings being at leastpartially aligned in said open position, and offset one from the otherin said closed position; whereby a predetermined quantity of materialstored in said storage compartment may be displaced into said meteringcompartment in said open position, and isolated from said storagecompartment in said closed position for subsequent dispensation; whereinsaid measuring unit is snap-fit coupled to said container unit; and,said base includes a catch portion extending annularly thereabout, firstand second terminal ends of said catch portion defining on said base arelease slot; and, said measuring unit includes a protrusive retainingportion for slidably engaging said catch portion in said open and closedpositions and being disengaged from said catch portion in said releaseposition.
 2. The metered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein said stop includes a resilient portion for deflectively limitingangular displacement of said first and second partitions one relative tothe other.
 3. The metered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 2wherein said measuring unit is angularly displaceable to a releaseposition angularly offset from said closed position substantially by theextent of deflection of said resilient portion of said stop.
 4. Themetered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidmeasuring unit includes a closable dispensing opening formed on saidcapsule.
 5. The metered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 1wherein said first partition is removably coupled to said base.
 6. Themetered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein saidmeasuring unit includes a peripheral wall extending axially from saidsecond partition, said peripheral wall having a groove formed thereinfor retentively engaging said protrusive catch portion of said containerunit.
 7. The metered dispensing apparatus as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid retaining portion includes a lever extension for leveragingdeflective manipulation by a user.
 8. The metered dispensing apparatusas recited in claim 1 wherein said retaining portion is formed with aninternally extending notch for deflective resilience.